Apparatus to assist squatting on toilets

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for assisting a person in assumption of a beneficial position for evacuations when using a toilet, the apparatus including a platform adapted to raise a user&#39;s feet from the ground surface, the platform having at least one height adjustment means associated therewith and an opening therein to at least partially receive a portion of the toilet or bowl.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for maintainingpostures or attitudes particularly in bowel and bladder movements orevacuations.

BACKGROUND ART

The purpose of this invention is to provide the option of 3 positionsduring toileting:

-   -   1. The “correct” position: feet flat, lean forward—for people        who cannot squat, for children and others, also called the        “Perfect Pee” position.    -   2. The near squat position: for improved bowel and bladder        evacuation in case of lack of flexibility and for children or        people unable to squat.    -   3. The squatting position: a safe, robust piece of equipment to        allow “full squatting” safely using existing toilet structures,        thus preventing major construction changes.

Virtually every physician and physiologist who has considered thesubject agrees that squatting is one of the most natural andphysiologically sound postures to use for evacuation.

Recent papers published by Rane et al and Gupta et al. show the benefitsof squatting when urinating. Wennergren et al in 1984 have showed thebenefits of foot support and leaning forward in children with bladderand bowel problems. Also a recent paper by El-Bahnasawy shows menurinate better in the sitting and leaning forward position thanstanding. All this research confirms the importance of squatting andfoot support during urination in men, women and children.

It has also been proven quantitatively in a research study by Devreeseet al. 2000 that irregularities during micturition are less frequent inthe forward-bending and anterverted positions and was concluded that theforward bending position is the most preferred urinating position torelax pelvic floor muscles.

There have been attempts in the past to configure toilets for use in thesquat position or to assist users to adopt the squat position. Oneexample is disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO2006/137047. This document teaches a water closet comprising a platformmountable over the toilet bowl and formed with a main openingtherethrough aligned with the toilet bowl, said platform beingconstructed to support a user in a natural squatting defecation postureover said opening and over the toilet bowl, the middle front of a saidplatform in front of main opening occupied by a folded pan located toserve as urinal pan when the user is in the squatting position, said paninclude side and front shields which are in operative vertical positionprevent urine splashing outside of the urinal pan, the side shieldsmounted pivotally to said platform at the borders of pan to eitheroperative approximately vertical or inoperative horizontal position,said front shield mounted pivotally in front of urinal pan to eitheroperative vertical or to inoperative folded on the floor of urinal panor on the backs of side shields position, said urinal pan include ropeswhich are connecting with one end to outer faces of side shields andwith the other end to outer face of front shield thus securingconcordant transverse of front and side shields from inoperable tooperable position and vice versa.

Whilst directed to overcoming the problem, this device has a number ofdisadvantages including its complex nature, its lack of adjustment toaccount for people (and toilet pedestals) of different heights, and itsintrusive aesthetic nature.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication isreferred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission thatthe publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art inAustralia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus to assist squatting ontoilets, which may at least partially overcome at least one of theabovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful orcommercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, residesbroadly in an apparatus for assisting a person in assumption of abeneficial position for evacuations when using a toilet, the apparatusincluding a platform adapted to raise a user's feet from the groundsurface, the platform having at least one height adjustment meansassociated therewith and an opening therein to at least partiallyreceive a portion of the toilet or bowl.

In a second form, the invention resides in a method for assisting aperson in assumption of a beneficial position for evacuations when usinga toilet, the method including the steps of providing a platform adaptedto raise a user's feet from the ground surface, the platform having atleast one height adjustment means and an opening therein to at leastpartially receive a portion of the toilet or bowl and positioning theplatform at least partially about a toilet or bowl and adjusting theheight of the platform such that a user assumes at least a partial squatposition.

Use of the device of the present invention will preferably position theuser's pelvis in the optimum position for evacuation, either micturitionor defecation. The optimum position is forward bending, anteversion ornear squat (knees above the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)) with afull squat more preferred, but fewer users, particularly Western users,will be physically able to assume this position. The position assumedwill therefore typically be forward bending and anteverted and as closeas possible to a full squat.

The device finds application with either western toilets having apedestal extending above the ground level or Asian-style toilets inwhich the toilet is recessed into the ground and the opening isapproximately at ground level. When used with Asian-style toilets, thedevice will normally be used in the fully collapsed or retractedcondition and the opening of the device placed adjacent the opening ofthe toilet.

The apparatus of the present invention includes a platform. The platformwill typically include a substantially planar upper surface. Theplatform will also preferably be suitably sturdy in order to maintainits shape and position under the weight of a person, even if the entireweight of the person is placed on to the platform. According to aparticularly preferred invention, the platform is typically rated to 150kg.

Normally, the upper surface of the platform will be adapted to have auser's feet placed thereon during use. The upper surface of the platformmay therefore be provided with marking indicia to indicate that the“correct” position of the feet during use. There may be differentindicia provided for use of the platform on by a child in contrast touse by an adult. The marking indicia may be of any form, includingembossing the marking indicia onto the surface. Alternatively, themarking indicia may be depressions. Preferably, the marking indicia willbe foot-shaped markings.

The platform is preferably provided with arcuate edges in order tominimise the chance of injury to a user when using the apparatus. Theplatform may be of any shape, although a generally rectangular shapewhen viewed in plan is preferred. In this form, the platform willnormally have a pair of side edges, a front edge and upper and lowersurfaces. The front corners of the platform will generally be roundedwhen viewed in plan.

The apparatus also includes at least one height adjustable means inorder to adjust the separation distance of the platform from the groundor floor surface. Normally a plurality of height adjustable means willbe provided. Typically, the height adjustable means are provided beneaththe platform.

Preferably, a height adjustable means is provided at or adjacent to eachcorner of the platform and/or spaced about the platform in order tostabilise the platform, particularly during use. The height adjustablemeans may also be used to allow for any irregularity in the surface ofthe floor or ground such that the platform is maintained in asubstantially horizontal orientation for use.

It is particularly preferred that the height adjustable means arefixable or lockable to at least temporarily fix the height of theplatform. Normally, the height adjustable means will allow the platformto be fixed at a number of predetermined heights, such as atapproximately 80 mm, approximately 150 mm, approximately 230 mm andapproximately 400 mm. Normally, the maximum height at which the platformcan be located will be at or slightly beneath the upper edge of thetoilet bowl. Most countries have a reasonably standard height of toiletbowl and the apparatus of the invention is preferably adaptable to suit.

According to the above, locking means may be provided for each heightadjustable means.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the height adjustablemeans include telescoping legs or similar. It is further preferred thatthe telescoping legs be provided with enlarged lower portions in orderto improve stability and also to spread the load over a large area.

Alternatively, the height adjusting means may include one or morescissor-action extendible portions to raise and lower the height of theplatform.

The height adjustment means will also preferably be provided with amovement prevention/safety device adapted to prevent the platform beingraised or lowered if bearing a weight above a threshold limit. Thethreshold limit will normally be quite low particularly given that theapparatus of the present invention can be used by children.

The platform included in the present invention includes an opening to atleast partially receive a portion of the toilet opening or bowl. Theopening will normally be in a rear portion of the platform. The openingmay have any shape, but will preferably have an at least partiallyarcuate portion given that most toilet bowls have a rounded appearance.The opening will normally be shaped and sized to fit a majority oftoilets. A portion of the opening may in use, abut the toilet or bowlbut this is not necessarily the case. However, a portion of theopening/platform will preferably abut the toilet or bowl when theplatform is raised in order to stabilise the platform.

The apparatus of the invention preferably further includes asubstantially planar foot portion. The foot portion preferablycorresponds in size and shape to the platform. Normally, the heightadjustment means are located between the foot portion and the platform,that is, preferably extend between an upper portion of the foot portionand a lower portion of the platform. According to an embodiment, a lowerportion of the height adjustable means may extend partially into orthrough the foot portion.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the platform and footportion will contain the height adjustment means when the platform isfully lowered. When fully lowered, the platform and foot portion willnormally form an apparatus of approximately 80-100 mm in height.

The platform and/or the foot portion may be provided with opening(s)therein in order to receive the collapsed height adjustment means.

The platform may be provided with handles in order to assist the userwith maintaining their balance on the apparatus.

It is also preferred that the apparatus of the present invention may beadapted to support the user's weight such that the user does not contactthe toilet bowl or opening during use of the device.

The foot portion will also preferably have an opening to at leastpartially receive the toilet opening or bowl. The opening in the footportion will preferably be shaped similarly to the opening in theplatform although the openings may not necessarily have the same shape.In particular, the opening in the foot portion is preferably shaped toabut the toilet in order to assist with the correct positioning of theapparatus relative to the toilet for use.

Normally, the height adjustment means/legs are attached to both theplatform and foot. Such attachment may be either temporary or permanentattachment.

The apparatus a further include one or more lifting mechanisms. In use,the lifting mechanisms will typically provide a positive lifting forcefor the platform in order to raise the platform above ground levelshould this be required. Preferably, the lifting mechanisms may bebiased into an extended condition. Further, the lifting mechanisms willpreferably have a locking means in order to lock the lifting mechanismsat any level or degree of extension. Although the lifting mechanisms mayhave any form, according to a most preferred embodiment, gas springs ora similar hydraulic ram mechanism will be used.

In use, the apparatus of the invention is placed adjacent a toilet andthe platform is raised to a height which, when a user places their feeton the platform in the designated positions, the user will by default,assume at least partially squatting position in order to achieve theadvantages of this position. The height of the apparatus may be adjustedto assume a more shallow or more deeply squatting position.

This adjustment can provide advantages for a number of reasons includingthe ability to adjust the height of the platform in order that a user tobecome comfortable in assuming a squat position and adjusting the depthof the squat as required.

However, some users, for example women and children, may have difficultyin achieving a full squat, even though the full squat position is mostbeneficial for women in particular. The adjustable nature of theinvention allows a gradual increase in the depth of squat achieved. Italso allows a comfortable depth squat to be assumed.

The invention preferably therefore provides an apparatus and method ofuse thereof which assists a user to assume three main positions, namelythe “correct”, semi-squat and full squat positions, but any interveningposition as well due to the adjustable nature of the device. Theapparatus can be adjusted to suit use by children, females and males toaccount for their different anatomy and idiosyncratic factors such asflexibility and comfort in different depth squat positions.

Advantages of Squatting and Near Squatting

-   -   1. Makes elimination faster, easier and more complete. This        helps prevent “fecal stagnation,” a prime factor in colon        cancer, appendicitis and inflammatory bowel disease.    -   2. Protects the nerves that control the prostate, bladder and        uterus from becoming stretched and damaged.    -   3. Securely seals the ileocecal valve, between the colon and the        small intestine. In the conventional sitting position, this        valve is unsupported and often leaks during evacuation,        contaminating the small intestine.    -   4. Relaxes the puborectalis muscle which normally chokes the        rectum in order to maintain continence.    -   5. Uses the thighs to support the colon and prevent straining.        Chronic straining on the toilet can cause hernias,        diverticulosis, and pelvic organ prolapse.    -   6. A highly effective, non-invasive treatment for hemorrhoids,        as shown by published clinical research.    -   7. For pregnant women, squatting avoids pressure on the uterus        when using the toilet. Daily squatting helps prepare one for a        more natural delivery.    -   8. Bladder function improves in the “correct” and near squat        position along with the squat position by preventing stagnation.    -   9. Good foot support and elevation helps cure bowel and bladder        problems in children.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference tothe following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view from the side of a male in the traditional full squatposition.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the difference in the position of thepuborectalis muscle in the sitting position contrasted with the positionin the squat position.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of an apparatus according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention in a raised condition.

FIG. 4 is a view from above of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3in the collapsed condition.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of the apparatus illustrated inFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of the apparatus illustrated inFIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a view from the side of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a male seated on a toilet and usinga device according to a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a male seated on a toilet and using thedevice illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a male seated on a toilet and usingthe device illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a male seated on a toilet and usinga device according to a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a male seated on a toilet and using thedevice illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a male seated on a toilet and usingthe device illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of a male seated on a toilet and usinga device according to a third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a male seated on a toilet and using thedevice illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a male seated on a toilet and usingthe device illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a male seated on a toilet and using adevice according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a male seated on a toilet and usingthe device illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a male seated on a toilet and usingthe device illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of a child seated on a toilet andusing a device according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a child seated on a toilet and usingthe device illustrated in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of a child seated on a toilet and usingthe device illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a female seated on a toilet and using adevice according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of a female seated on a toilet andusing the device illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of a female seated on a toilet andusing the device illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a female seated on a toilet and using adevice according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a front elevation view of a female seated on a toilet andusing the device illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of a female seated on a toilet andusing the device illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a female seated on a toilet and using adevice according to a eighth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 31 is a front elevation view of a female seated on a toilet andusing the device illustrated in FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of a female seated on a toilet andusing the device illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view from the side from slightly above of adevice of a further preferred embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view from the side from slightly behind of adevice as illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the device as illustrated in FIG. 3334.

FIG. 36 is a rear view of the device as illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the device as illustrated in FIG. 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, an apparatus 10 for assisting a person in assumption of thenear and/or full squat position for evacuations is provided.

The apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9 includes a platform 11adapted to raise a user's feet from the ground surface, the platform 11having height adjustable legs 12 associated therewith and an opening 13therein to at least partially receive a portion of the toilet 14 or bowl15.

The platform include a substantially planar upper surface withfoot-shaped marking indicia 16 to indicate that the “correct” positionof the feet during use. There are two sets of marking indicia providedfor use on the platform illustrated, one set for use by a child and oneset for use by an adult.

The platform 11 is generally rectangular shape when viewed in planhaving a pair of side edges, a front edge and upper and lower surfaces.The front corners of the platform 11 will generally be rounded whenviewed in plan as illustrated in FIG. 5 in particular.

The apparatus also includes a plurality of height adjustable legs 12 inorder to adjust the separation distance of the platform 11 from theground or floor surface. A leg 12 is provided at or adjacent to eachcorner of the platform 11 in order to stabilise the platform 11,particularly during use.

It is particularly preferred that the legs 12 are lockable to at leasttemporarily fix the height of the platform 11. Normally, the heightadjustable legs of the preferred embodiment allows the platform 11 to befixed at a number of predetermined heights, such as at approximately 80mm, approximately 150 mm, approximately 230 mm and approximately 400 mmas are illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 33. Normally, the maximum height atwhich the platform can be located will be slightly beneath the upperedge of the toilet bowl as illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 21.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the height adjustable legs 12are telescoping legs with enlarged lower portions 17 in order to improvestability and also to spread the load over a large area. The heightadjustment is important as in a recent trial of the device of thepresent invention, only two thirds of women and children could actuallyperform a full'squat.

Although not illustrated, the height adjustment legs of the illustratedembodiment are also provided with a safety device adapted to prevent theplatform 11 being raised or lowered if bearing a weight above athreshold limit.

The platform 11 included in the present invention includes an opening 13to receive a portion of the toilet pedestal 14 or bowl 15. The opening13 is in a rear portion of the platform 11. The opening 13 is shaped andsized to fit a majority of toilets. A forward edge of the opening 18abuts the toilet pedestal 14 or bowl 15 particularly when the platform11 is raised in order to stabilise the platform 11.

The illustrated apparatus further includes a substantially planar foot19. The foot 19 corresponds in size and shape to the platform 11. Theplatform 11 is provided with openings therein in order to receive thecollapsed height adjustment legs 12. The height adjustment legs 12 arelocated between the foot portion 19 and the platform 11, that is, thelegs 12 extend between an upper portion of the foot 19 and the platform11.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the platform 11 andfoot 19 contain the height adjustment legs 12 when the platform 11 isfully lowered. When fully lowered, the platform and foot portion willnormally form an apparatus of approximately 80-100 mm in height asillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The foot 19 also has an opening to at least partially receive the toiletpedestal 14 or bowl 15. The opening in the foot 19 of the illustratedembodiment is shaped similarly to the opening 13 in the platform 11.

An alternative device is illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 37. The approximatedimensions of the illustrated device are:

-   1> Minimum height: 80 mm-   2> Maximum height: 400 mm-   3> Width: 690 mm-   4> Length: 510 mm-   5> Footrest width: 151 mm

The vertical elevation of the device can be adjusted anywhere between 80mm and 400 mm. (400 mm being the global standard height for toiletseats).

Two gas springs 80 are used to balance the load the user on the device.Only one gas spring 80 is lockable, thus avoiding the tilting of thedevice that could occur due to mismatch in locking of the 2 gas springs80 at a later point of time.

Mild steel has been used for the fabrication of the alpha prototype inorder to produce a low cost initial prototype and test the concept ofthe design. Nylon has been used for the rollers for the scissor legs inorder to minimize friction and have a smooth sliding operation.

After a sufficient and satisfactory testing cycle, PVC can be used forthe upper and lower plates with a 5 mm rubber surface at the bottom toavoid the lateral movement of the device when being used. PVC wasselected basically because of the following reasons:

-   1>Water resistant-   2>Ease of moulding into complex shapes.

The main difference with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 37 isthe inclusion of the scissor mechanism legs 81 between the foot 19 andthe platform 11 and the inclusion of the gas springs 80. The gas springs80 are biased into the extended configuration and may be forced into theretracted configuration through the application of sufficient force oncethe gas springs 80 have been unlocked.

The legs are typically baced against lateral movement by the provisionof crosspieces 82 extending between the legs at an upper and lowerpoint. These crosspieces may also be used to attach the platform 11 andthe foot 19 to the scissor legs 81.

The gas springs 80 are lockable at any measure of extension and uponunlocking will tend to a fully extended condition, unless force isapplied to retract the gas springs 80.

It can be seen from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 37 thatthe gas springs 80 of the illustrated embodiment extend at an anglebetween the foot 19 and the platform 11. Each of the respective ends ofthe gas springs 80 will preferably be pivotally attached to the foot 19and the platform 11. This will allow the device to be decreased inheight much more than if the gas springs 80 were provided in asubstantially vertical orientation.

It is also evident from the illustrated embodiment of the gas springsare oriented substantially parallel to one of the legs of the scissormechanism. This may provide additional support and stability to thedevice.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word “comprising”and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each ofthe stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or morefurther integers.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more combinations.

1. An apparatus for assisting a person in assumption of a squat positionfor evacuations when using a toilet, the apparatus including a platformadapted to raise a user's feet from the ground surface, the platformhaving at least one height adjustment means associated therewith, groundengaging members not fixed to or into the ground surface and an openingtherein to at least partially receive a portion of the toilet or bowl.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an upper surface of theplatform is provided with marking indicia to indicate that the “correct”position of a user's feet during use.
 3. The apparatus according toclaim 2 wherein at least two sets of different indicia are provided, foruse of the platform by a child and an adult.
 4. The apparatus accordingto claim 2 wherein the marking indicia include foot-shaped markings. 5.The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of heightadjustment means is provided, one at or adjacent to each corner of theplatform.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the heightadjustment means are fixable or lockable to at least temporarily fix theheight of the platform.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe height adjustment means allows the platform to be fixed at a numberof predetermined heights to position a user in a semi-squat, near fullsquat or full squat position.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the maximum height at which the platform can be located is at orslightly beneath the upper edge of the toilet bowl.
 9. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the height adjustment means includestelescoping legs.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theheight adjustment means includes at least one scissor action mechanism.11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the height adjustmentmeans is associated with a movement prevention/safety device adapted toprevent the platform being raised or lowered if bearing a weight above athreshold limit.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1 furtherincluding a substantially planar foot portion of a shape substantiallysimilar to the platform and to which the height adjustment means areattached.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the heightadjustment means are located between the foot portion and the platform.14. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the platform and footportion contain the height adjustment means when the platform is fullylowered.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the heightadjustment means includes one or more length adjustable means biasedinto the extended condition.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15wherein the one or more length adjustable means are collapsible uponaplication of sufficient load.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 15wherein a locking means is provided on at least one of the lengthadjustable means to at least temporarily lock extension or retraction ofthe at least one length adjustable means.
 18. (canceled)
 19. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the height of the platform isadjustable to position a user in a semi-squat, near full squat or fullsquat position.
 20. (canceled)
 21. A method for assisting a person inassumption of a squat position for evacuations when using a toilet, themethod including the steps of providing a platform adapted to raise auser's feet from the ground surface, the platform having at least oneheight adjustment means and an opening therein to at least partiallyreceive a portion of the toilet or bowl, and positioning the platform atleast partially about a toilet pedestal or bowl and adjusting the heightof the platform such that a user assumes at least a partial squatposition.